Nara Private Tour Guides
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Popular Nara Tour Guides
Yasuhisa K.
4.98 / 5
(45 reviews)
Japan
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Tatsuhiro N.
4.58 / 5
(65 reviews)
Japan
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Hiroshi Y.
4.68 / 5
(333 reviews)
Japan
Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .
Shuji O.
4.95 / 5
(39 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Hiroko D.
4.97 / 5
(86 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I'm Hiroko. I was born in Kyoto and currently live in its suburb. My parents are also from the ancient capital city, so some of its historic places were like my playgrounds when I was a child. Now, as a national certified tour guide, I would like to show you around not only Kyoto but also Osaka and Nara enjoyably and time-effectively. For your reference, I lived in New York, U.S.A. for about 20 years and worked there for about 17 and a half years, so I believe that I will be able to communicate and speak well with you in English. My motto as a guide: If you are happy, I'm happy. Please don't hesitate to ask me to customize your tour. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Kaori K.
4.96 / 5
(163 reviews)
Japan
Hello! My name is Kaori. When I was young I was interested in tourism. I was studying and working as tour conductor around Kanto area in Japan. I lived abroad from my early 20s to mid 30s. Australia, Taiwan, Central America, Great Britain, Spain and Italy. Now I came back and live in Osaka where I was born. The reason why I applied for the tour guide is because I was pleased when I guided my foreign friends around Japan. Me personally love traveling a lot. Especially trekking in the mountains and MTB trip by myself! I’ve done El Camino De Santiago in Spain 4times! Camino francés, Vía de la plata, Camino Norte, Camino de Madrid, Camino de San Salvador, Camino primitivo. I’ve done Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, too. I’ve travelled around Morocco, Greece and Italy by MTB :) I love adventure! I love to look up sightseeing informations and listen to the story of travelers! In japan I also lived in several different prefectures such as Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Tokyo, Kanagawa. I might be able to guide you not only popular touristic sites but also to local hidden sights! Please focus things what you like and want!! I promise to do my best to organize a tour that is consistent with your interests! Thank you for paying attention for my self-introduction. I’m looking forward to see you soon. LOVE Kaori
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(170 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one. If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Makoto Y.
4.93 / 5
(121 reviews)
Japan
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
New Nara Tour Guides
Marcelo M.
Japan
Maru is from San Diego California. Has been in Japan over a decade. Maru has come for the love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art. Maru is happy to share Japanese food and quirky cultural differences to take unique memories back home. Maru es de San Diego California. Lleva en Japón más de una década. Maru llegó por su amor a los video juegos y el anime. Seducido por la belleza del arte Japonés, está feliz de compartir la comida Japonesa y las peculiares diferencias culturales para que puedan llevarse recuerdos únicos a casa.
Jungo S.
Japan
Nice to meet you. My name is Jungo, and I was born in Osaka. I have spent most of my 31 years living here in Osaka. The reason I decided to become a tour guide is that I lived in Canada and Australia for two years each. During that time, my family visited me several times, and I guided them with all my effort, helping them enjoy their travels to the fullest. They were extremely satisfied with my guidance. Based on this experience, I decided that I wanted to help tourists from all over the world explore Japan and fully enjoy this country that I am so proud of. I also love traveling by car from Osaka, and I am confident that I can offer wonderful travel plans to everyone. Please let me help make your trip a great experience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Menshawi F.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Konnichiwa! I'm a passionate licensed tour guide and for me, being a tour guide isn't just a job. Its a way to share my love for Kyoto city and create meaningful connection with people from around the world. I enjoy helping travelers feel at home, discover new perspectives and leave with cherished memories. I look forward to welcoming you on a journey of discovery, whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore even deeper. Let's make your trip truly special together. If you're looking for an adventure off the beaten path or a deep dive into local tradition, my goal is to make every moment memorable.Let me guide you on a journey you'll cherish forever
Kazue K.
4.83 / 5
(6 reviews)
Japan
Hello! My name is Kazu, a tour guide from Kyoto. I was born and raised here, studied in Osaka, and became fluent in English after studying abroad in Canada. My experience there made me appreciate Japan’s beauty and cultural differences, inspiring me to share Kyoto with people from around the world. I started as a volunteer guide for friends but now work professionally to show more people Kyoto’s charm. On my tours, I’ll take you to great spots and share insights into Japanese culture, customs, and the unique mindset of Japanese people. I look forward to guiding you!
Yosshi S.
5.00 / 5
(7 reviews)
Japan
Thank you for visiting my page. I will guide you to the ancient capital cities with 1000 years of urban development and 100 years of filming and screening history. I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for the national and local governments. During this time, I surveyed many community development sites throughout Japan. I welcomed business leaders to encourage investment in the cities. After quitting my career, I became a film-loving professional engineer. I visited unique cities in foreign countries to see urban planning and locations that appeared in picturesque film scenes and posted photos on social media (90 cities in 30 countries up to now). The more I saw foreign cities, the more I loved my hometown. I wanted to know about the travel industry and got a national license as a Guide-Interpreter and Travel Service Manager. I have started guiding based in the old capital cities. The entire area of old Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been a Metropolitan area centered on the Imperial Palace, and the actual location of the Palace has changed 15 times since the 7th century. This area has many historical spots and hidden attractions in different times and places: the townscape, temples, shrines, landscaped gardens, and historical drama locations (SAMURAI drama). I will create your favorite tour using my list, and guide you leisurely. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hiroki K.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! I have been doing tour guide as my side business since 2019. I am happy to announce that I became 'super host' in the area in Osaka on CityUnscripted (The tour company based in UK) I will continue to work hard to cover more area with more tours guest coming from abroad. Through my tours, my goal is to make my guests want to come back to Japan again and to recommend them to their friends. Having lived and worked in 7 cities, 3 countries and traveled to 45 countries, I believe that my mission is to efficiently guide you through the cities I love in a limited amount of time through my unique perspective. I am originally from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and I am Japanese. While a student studying international business management, I spent time in Shiga, near Nagoya and Kyoto and a short study abroad experience in Australia, UK and Israel. After working in Israel and Ireland, I came back to Kobe. So far, I have hosted over 30 tours in Kyoto and Kobe and I enjoy meeting tour guests from all over the world. I always try my best to get prepared for you to enjoy your visit to my home country. I'm constantly learning to be able to provide an enriching experience. If we come across some questions I cannot answer right away, I will be happy to do some research and get back with a full answer. For foodie, I can give you good places for all type of requirements, such as Vegetarian, vegan, Kosher or Halal. If you are coming with your parents/kids, I will arrange the tour for a shorter walking distance. IELTS Band 6.0 (English Proficiency level)
Yakir S.
Japan
Hello there :) My name is yakir and I'm a tour guide in Kyoto. Before settling down in Japan I've traveled in many Asian countries and for me a big part of any trip to Asia is visiting the local shrines and temples. Some people are enjoying the night life or restaurants but I'm looking for the atmosphere in an ancient temple where the incents have been burning for hundreds of years and monks are going in silent concentration. Kyoto is the temple capitol of the world with more than 16,000 different temples and shrines hidden in the city and I just love to find and share the beauty and magic in them. I've studied Asia studies in Uni and also learned and practiced Chinese medicine, Qi gong and Zen meditation. I can show you the most Big and Powerful of Kyoto's temple or the quite, unique and serene local shrines. (I also love running so if you brought your running shoes let me now :)
Akari Y.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
I have started guiding in the Kansai area since 2023. I am passionate about introducing the history of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was young.
Nara Tour Reviews
C
Christine D.
5 / 5
May 12, 2025
“Excellent nara experience with Yoshi”
Very knowledgeable and personable. We all 4 enjoyed this tour. Highly recommend.
Yoshiharu K.
Dear Christine Thank you for your evaluation. It was comfortable day which helped us to have a good traveling. I hope you will have good traveling to Hiroshima and Kyoto. Yours sincerely, Yoshi
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Glenis G.
5 / 5
May 11, 2025
“Lovely day with Atsuko ”
We had an amazing day with Atsuko . She was so knowledgeable and put as at ease immediately. She kindly adapted the tour as I was poorly and was unable to meet the 1st day so we felt we didn’t miss out on anything. We visited shrines and temples and Atsuko told us the history and culture and made the whole day very interesting and informative. Thank you so much for helping us create lovely memories
Atsuko T.
Hello Ms. Glenis, Thank you for your kind review and words for me. I am happy to hear you had an amazing day in Nara. I also had a wonderful day with you and your son, Tom. Nara is rich in nature. I like visiting Nara. I think you really enjoyed your birthday and Mother's Day in Japan. Today is Mother's Day in Japan. My children also celebrate it for me. Thank you for joining my tour. Please say hello to Tom. Best regards, Atsuko
Z
Zdenek D.
5 / 5
May 8, 2025
“Beautiful Nara”
We started our journey in Kyoto with a visit to Fushimi Inari and then continued on to Nara. Ana was again perfect as a guide, she explained the history of the places we visited and told us many other interesting facts.
Ana I.
Dear Zdenek, thank you and your family for your patience, generosity, and the great time in Nara. Your attention and easy-going personality made the tour fun and highly interactive for me. I hope Japan was a wonderful experience for your family. Sending my best regards!
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Local Tour Guides in Nara
Our local guides are ready to help you plan, customize and realize your ideal tour in Nara. All GoWithGuide guides are real locals who know the area on a deep and personal level, and they can’t wait to share their knowledge with you.
When traveling, everyone wants to get the most bang out of their buck. How to do that? Ask the right person to be your tour guide, of course! As opposed to fixed itineraries that are too formal and geared towards large groups, arranging a trip with the help of a local guide will mean the trip will be about what YOU want to see and do.
Go ahead and send a message to one (or several!) of our local guides. They would love to show you their Nara!